Monday, February 18, 2008

Tagged

I was 'tagged' a few days ago by FridaWrites ... this 'tag' invites me to share about the books that are around me. The instructions:-look up page 123 in the nearest book-look for the fifth sentence-then post the three sentences that follow that fifth sentence on page 123. Now, the book I am reading, "How Long Has This Been Going On?" by Ethan Mordden isn't the book that's closest. I brought "Benighted" by Kit Whitfield along with me on the trip and it's physically closer. So, to follow the rules exactly I will quote from it.

It's quiet as a moon night in here. "I'm sorry," I say, "Your throat will heal up, and you'll be okay. You'll just have a few scars."

Now, Benighted isn't the kind of book that I normally read. I bought it when out with Cousin Christine in Toronto. We had gone to the book store because I wanted her to have a copy of "Good Omens' - the clerk there overheard us and came over and enthused about books with us for awhile. She recommended Benighted, a book about a world of werewolves as an excellent read but also because of it's subtext about diversity, difference and power. She actually seemed to understand about the nature of disability and how it fits into a societal power system. So, I bought the book. (This is why stores should hire staff with a passion for what they do ... they sell unlikely things to unlikely customers.)

The book I'm reading, a gay epic, had it been closest ... would have had the following quote:

"Pack up! It's enough! Do you hear me?"

But it too, isn't my typical type of fiction. I bought it on a visit to Little Sisters, a gay bookstore in Vancouver. The reviews on the back interested me. I typically read either murder mysteries or historical fiction - when I can't find disability literature (the Matthew Shardlake books for example) anywhere. I love books and I love good writing. Having someone spin me a yarn is a wonderful experience. I admire writers who can inform me, inspire me, entertain me. It is such a gift to be able to write fiction that challenges and changes. The book I just finished, "Q" by Luther Bissett about the Reformation and Martin Luther and the formation of the Anabaptists - a 800 page romp through the history of Europe, is more typical of my reads. I also read a fair bit of non fiction too, almost all disability related. I have "Danny: Murder of a Man With Down Syndrome" waiting on my desk. But it's too soon after Brent Martin to even think of picking the book up.

Now, I'm supposed to tag others. I don't like this part. I like to leave it open and tag everyone who wants to be tagged. If you participate - then please - leave a link in the comment section and I'll pop over and visit. I am going to purposely tag Shannon, niece extraordinaire, because I just love her book reviews ... so Shannon, you're it. Remember ... follow the rules - the closest book.

Now this tagged thing has me a bit interested in starting one of my own. I've got an idea for one and I'll fine tune it and spring it on you sometime next week.

Disability Pride

Dedication

About Me

Joe and I live in an apartment right smack dab in the center of Toronto. I have worked in the field of disability since graduating from university over 30 years ago. I became disabled a few years ago now and use a wheelchair when out in the world. For those interested, most of my books are available through www.diverse-city.com and if you are wishing to book a lecture or consultation you may do so by emailing daveandjoe@hotmail.com

Best Health Blog 2010

Requiem

There are those who have affected the course of my work and my career. I wish to remember them here:

Stella Young

Manuela Dalla Nora

Bob Clayton

Viktor Frankl

Robert Sovner

Marsha Forrest

Terry Haslam

John Money

Susan Tough

Sol Gordon

Winnifred Kempton

I believe that we should speak often and well of those who passed our way and whose lives gifted us. Here in this space I wish to memorialize those whose lived lives in service to those with disabilities.